Re: Ban watermelon?

On 3/28/2025 9:26 PM, Dave Smith wrote:

On 2025-03-28 9:09 p.m., Ed P wrote:

Another goofy one
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/14-moments-america-tried-to-ban- something-totally-harmless/ss-AA1BQGJK?
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The Watermelon in the 19th Century
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In the 1800s, some communities in the U.S. tried to ban watermelon during the summer, viewing it as a “frivolous” fruit. The watermelon was associated with African American culture, and some racist groups sought to prevent its consumption by white families, believing it was somehow linked to laziness or a lack of refinement. This attempt to ban the fruit was rooted in deep racial prejudice and an effort to control what was considered acceptable. Despite the efforts, watermelon continued to be a beloved summer fruit for many Americans.
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 I must have been born in the wrong country and in the wrong century.I grew up in the 50s in a small town about 15 miles from Toronto.  We loved watermelon. It was cheap and delicious and we could eat it outside and have seed spitting contests. There were no black people in the town I lived in and there were very few in Toronto back then There was no association with race.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkXrACo-2Cc&ab_channel=efedeveci
 

Yes, it grows best in the warm climate of the south and became symbolic as it was used in celebration by the freed slaves.
https://www.businessinsider.com/watermelon-stereotype-african-american-history-food-racism-2022-8